Clean Energy News

Last week, state lawmakers allied with Iowa’s biggest investor-owned utility to introduce House Study Bill 185. This bill would limit the ability of farms and individuals to produce their own electricity. While other Midwest states are blazing a trail in expanding solar power generation, House Study Bill 185 would set Iowa back as consumers look to cut costs and become energy independent.

We are concerned about a bill in the Legislature regarding the proposal of zoning restrictions on new wind farms in Nebraska. Legislative Bill 373 proposes that all new wind farms will need to comply with zoning standards outlined by the Legislature instead of local county zoning boards.

Commercial property assessed clean energy, or C-PACE, is a financing tool that creates opportunities for businesses and nonprofits to make clean energy improvements to their properties. Adopting this legislation has the potential to grow South Dakota’s businesses while furthering the state’s clean energy portfolio.

In 2017, 18 percent of Minnesota’s energy needs were met by wind energy, with 3,699 megawatts installed across the state. Nearly every wind turbine contributes tax revenue to the local community where it operates, with the contributions of installed wind energy capacity totaling $12.7 million across 27 counties in 2018.

In 2017, we developed an active presence on Iowa state policy, which continues today. Our priority issues include clean energy and water quality. We collaborate with coalition partners, develop relationships with key legislators, and engage Iowa supporters.